In case you missed the memo, the sustained effort we’re giving this month is a medium-low. In cooking terms, we’re all at a low simmer. Personally, I am going to save the rolling boil for September, if at all. I can’t even plan that far ahead because again, I’m just at a simmer.
In the spirit of the low simmer, here are five ways to simmer on the stove while you simmer on the couch. These are some of my favorite winter weekend meals and I hope your well-earned mellow weekend.
Listen, I’ve made a lot of chicken dishes in my career as a woman with an appetite and an oven and exactly zero of them have gotten me a ring on my finger. If there were one variation that’s worth locking it down over, it’s this version of Marry Me Chicken with a spicy tomato cream sauce and torn green olives.
Double the recipe, if need be, to plan for leftovers. You’ll want this chicken for days.
Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of Simple and Creamy Tomato Soup? Scientifically, no. Honestly, I’m nearly as happy with store-bought tomato soup but making it from scratch means I can addd extra cream and a splash of brightening vinegar. Serve this soup with French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwiches as a spoon. You read that correctly.
A stand and stir risotto transferred to the oven for a quality simmer. Lemon and peas brighten the whole pot and little bits of crispy pancetta add that salty bite I demand. A bowl of this Oven-Baked Pea Pancetta and Lemon Risotto on the couch is as comforting as a bowl of boxed mac and cheese. Much more elite. IYKYK.
I didn’t realize Cincinnati Chili Dinner was controversial until I offered some to my neighbors and they politely decined. Cinnamon in chili? Over pasta? With beans and cheese on top!? A delight, an absolute spiced DE-LIGHT I say but you be the judge. Just don’t hurt my feelings and skip the cinnamon and cloves. Yes, I’m deciding to take it personally.
For dessert (because we musn’t skip it), really the only answer is this the small batch chocolate chip cookies I’ve already made twice this week. Join me.
Have a great weekend, friends!
xo
Sabrina
thank you for all of these, the deconstructed chili, if I can call it that is the most fun to me since I love all chilis and never heard of this one, but I’m in!
Leslie
Thank you, Joy, for sharing recipes with smaller serving sizes. It is just perfect and more appealing to those of us who live alone. I have several of these recipes in my queue. Blessings!